I have a problem

My church started working with inner city youth about 5 years ago..I am not the youth pastor but some how became the main contact with the kids..it has really become my life..my passion for God seems to grow by the day! I've seen God hand of protection over me so many times when I should have been hurt..but anyways here's my problem..there's this young girl who loves God so much it is inspiring..her mom left her when she was 4 her dads a drunk but he has become my friend..anyways about two years ago she was raped and now has a little girl..it was kinda sad when she gave birth no one from her family even showed up..it was just me, my pastor and another girl from church..I told myself that day that I would do whatever I could to help that little girl..and I have gone out many a night to bring milk when her brothers would steal the money for drugs..the point I'm getting to is that this girl told me yesterday that she likes me and that bothers me.. I'm 27 but look fairly young for my age and over the years I have gotten pretty used to girls hitting on me but I've never really thought much about it..but this girl is different I don't want to break her sweet little heart..does anyone have any advise..should I just not say anything or pull anyway lol anyways I will pray about it and thanks for taking the time to read this

It's quite natural for her to be attracted to you, not just physically, you are really providing for her the way no man has. I don't see anywhere that you said what age she is, but the fact that you say you are 27 sorta makes me think there is at least a 5 or more year gap.
Unfortunately heart break is a part of life that she especially has dealt with, but NOT saying anything could only be more devastating.

Not saying anything or pulling away is going to do her more damage then you can possibly imagine. I would implore you to not do that.

I think your right I can't pull away now her daughter calls me dad sometimes but I don't know what im going to say but I'm trusting God for wisdom..oh and shes 16..

Ya I figured she must be pretty young. Like I said though pulling away or putting any distance is going to do some REAL damage since you seem to be the only guy in her life that isn't bad for her.

Also since she is that age, its going to be tough to let her down either way. Gotta let her know that you are her friend and are trying to be a good male figure for her, and she needs to think of you as more of an older brother maybe but more then a friend you really cannot be.

Thanks I think I will do that..I would not want to let her down like every other male figure in her life

I just put a thought in it and I would do the following:

Bring a female worker with you, explain your position, and let her explain why emotionally it is understandable but not right to start such a relation, and bring it then to Jesus. In the end she needs healing from Jesus on the inside anyway before she can have proper relations.

For yourself you need to have a clear and understandable decision about what is right, I feel that's not the problem but in case you haven't everything together, make sure you do.

That's what I would do. I'm sure with your motivation that you'll be fine.

Bless,

Barbet

Praying in Jesus Christ is Lord for you in all needed in this situation.
Praying for this young woman, that Jesus will fill her heart with His salvation and understanding, praying for her and child and family for the healing and salvation in all their lives.

God bless.
pickles

For the young girl it's normal have feeling to opposite sex. You're older than she. You must helping her only to presence other members church. Don't stay face to face with her. May the Lord help you and give you wisdom.

I will pray for you and this young girl.

She is your Sister Bro, if you don't like her that way.

Dear Brother Johnny, if the girl is too young, or you just don't care for her in an intimate way, she probably needs a brother more than a lover.

Continue to keep taking care of her as God instructs you. If God has her planned for you, that will be fine, in time. Since her brothers are not resposible, She really needs you to be.

Stay close to Jesus, He will always steer you right !!!

Have a great day in our Lord.

I pray that our Lord will pour out His richest blessings upon you, in Jesus name, Amen.

Love in JC
bro Gary

Thanks that means alot I have been going on treating her like I always have..and I feel at peace about it

Cawking- I am not saying you would do this, but I was sexually abused for 3 years by my youth pastor and it hurt more than any heartbreak. Remember just to keep your distance and explain to her that you are just like a brother.

Make sure that your boundaries are clear. This doesn't mean that you are necessarily explicit with every boundary that you hold with her, but YOU should be sure of what they are. I, too, work with inner city youth, and I have been that girl crushing on any man that helped me for very similar reasons she has this crush on you. Chances are she is much more able to understand sexual, passionate, eros type of love as most of our world is. What she needs is to see agape. She needs a man to stand up for her, even when she is desperate, and not allow her to hurt herself... someone who will give her the love and support that she needs (and is translating into romatic love) in an appropriate way. Love her. Seek God for how to do this... but here's a few suggestions.
1) Do not be alone with her. Whether or not she tries something, this can create deeper sense of false intimacy between you too.
2) Loop a woman in on this situation. Slowly encourage her to speak with this woman. Maybe a woman can have tea or coffee with her... do it non-invasively and nonchalantly. It's almost like group dating, but later on the group will get smaller.
3) Always bring it back to Jesus. Always bring it back to praying about it so that she knows you are not solving her problems, but that the wisdom and power of God is your source.
4) Beware of your physical affections toward all girls. Give a short squeeze. Don't linger. If your not careful, any hugs could become very sticky even if it's just in her mind... Girls love to overanalyze things.
5) Speak truth.